Computer Science / Courses

CS-101 Beginning Programming (3.00 cr.)Session(s): Fall; Spring | Course Offered Every Year
Students learn how a computer works and how to make it work as they design, code, debug and document programs to perform a variety of tasks. This course is intended for students who have not programmed a computer before, but may also serve as an introduction to Java (or other language) even if the student DOES know some programming.

CS-120 Spreadsheets (1.00 cr.)Session(s): Spring; Summer | Course Offered Every Year
Introduction to and development of skills in the creation and use of spreadsheets. The student will also learn how to set up and create graphs from spreadsheets and to create macros. Extensive use of microcomputer software such as Excel.

CS-121 Spreadsheets II (1.00 cr.)Session(s): Spring; Summer | Course Offered Every Year
This course is a continuation of CS-120. Students will learn how to use Excel as a practical business tool with in-depth use of formulas and functions and efficient worksheet and workbook design. Some topics in Excel databases and the creation of simple macros will also be covered. Prerequisite: CS-120 or competency in spreadsheets.

CS-140 Databases (1.00 cr.)Session(s): Fall; Summer | Course Offered Every Year
Creating a database structure, entering and updating data, generating reports based on querying the database. This course includes a project. Hands-on use of software such as MS Access.

CS-156 Web Site Design & Management (3.00 cr.)Session(s): Fall; Spring; Summer | Course Offered Every Year
This course requires extensive use of an HTML editor and a web design package to create web pages and web sites. Students will also learn site planning management. This will include learning to plan web sites and planning and assessing visitor involvement. Specific topics and techniques include: tables, frames, forms, cascading style sheets, use of animation and sound, and image creation and manipulation. Additional topics will include dynamic content, JavaScript, XML, file management, file transfer protocol and web site evaluation.

CS-160 SAS Programming (3.00 cr.)Session(s): Varies, Contact Department Head | Course Offered Varies, Contact Department Head
A course in programming in the high-level programming language of SAS which is used extensively in business, government, and education. By the end of the course the student will be able to immediately apply her skills in real-life programming solutions. Applications in data gathering and manipulation, report generation, and elementary statistical procedures. No previous programming experience is required. Prerequisite: computer literacy. Prior experience in statistics is recommended.

CS-230 Web Programming with Databases (3.00 cr.)Session(s): Fall | Course Offered Every Year
This course focuses on the server side of client server programming for the Web, especially database programming. There will be a study of fundamentals of databases including normalization and security, and students will apply this knowledge to real web database applications. Current tools: JavaScript (prerequisite), PHP (a programming language), SQL (Structured Query Language). Prerequisites: CS-140, CS-156.

CS-240 Visual Basic (3.00 cr.)Session(s): Varies, Contact Department Head | Course Offered Varies, Contact Department Head
An introduction to programming in Visual Basic. Emphasis will be placed on the event-driven, graphical nature of Visual Basic, as opposed to procedure-oriented programming. Topics include form layout, event-driven Windows programming concepts, variables and data types, objects and properties, control structures, file management, accessing databases, linking applications, Web page development from a Visual Basic application, and developing and using ActiveX controls. This course is intended for those with programming experience. May be taken without prerequisite course with instructor's consent. Prerequisite: CS-101.

CS-299 Introduction to Computer Studies Research (1.00 cr.)Session(s): Fall; Spring | Course Offered Every Year
This course will provide opportunities for freshman and sophomores to participate in original research in computer science. Students will submit findings in a formal written report and will give an oral presentation. Students will be expected to work approximately three hours per week on the research project for each semester hour of credit. May be repeated for a maximum of six credit hours.

CS-301 Data Structures & Algorithms (3.00 cr.)Session(s): Fall | Course Offered Odd-Numbered Years Only
Topics include the sequential and linked allocation of lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs. Students gain maturity by writing complex algorithms and through studying run time analysis and program integrity. Prerequisite: CS-212.

CS-311 Computer Organization (3.00 cr.)Session(s): Fall | Course Offered Even-Numbered Years Only
The fundamentals of logic design, the organization and structuring of the major hardware components of computers. Prerequisite: CS-203.

CS-312 Information Systems Management (3.00 cr.)Session(s): Varies, Contact Department Head | Course Offered Varies, Contact Department Head
The main theme of the course is solving problems and creating opportunities with technology in an organizational setting. Topics include how information systems affect and are affected by organizational goals and strategies; basic overviews of the components of an information system; hardware, software, data storage and retrieval, and network communications; the Internet; the information systems development process; and systems development as planned organizational change. Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education fundamental computer skills competency requirement.

CS-326 Networking and Operating Systems (3.00 cr.)Session(s): Fall | Course Offered Odd-Numbered Years Only
In the ever shifting and related fields of operating systems and networking, this course teaches the fundamental aspects of computing systems including security, memory management, job scheduling, synchronization, client-server programming and distributed programming. There will also be significant hands-on application of principles in the lab. Prerequisites: CS-203, CS-212.

CS-355 Computer Graphics and Modeling (3.00 cr.)Session(s): Fall | Course Offered Even-Numbered Years Only
This course is about visualizing models on the computer screen, including 2D and 3D images, perspective, shading, animation and stereo. The course will use and study numerical models of such interesting phenomena as geometric objects, fractals, trajectories and propagation of waves. Prerequisites: (MAT-181 or MAT-191) and CS-212.

CS-370 Ethics and Information Technology (1.00 cr.)Session(s): Fall; Spring | Course Offered Every Year
Discussion of the ethical and legal issues created by the introduction of information technology into everyday life. Codes of ethics for computer users. Topics may include, but are not limited to, information ownership, individual privacy, computer crime, communications and freedom of expression, encryption and security.

CS-407 Software Engineering (3.00 cr.)Session(s): Spring | Course Offered Even-Numbered Years Only
Introduction to the principles of design, coding, and testing of software projects; the software development cycle; and managing the implementation of large computer projects. Students undertake a large team project. Prerequisites: CS-212 and CS-230.

CS-420 Computer Science Seminar (1.00 cr.)Session(s): Fall | Course Offered Every Year
Current developments and themes in computer science. An introduction to industry as it exists in the Research Triangle area, to journals in the field of computer science, and to societies and associations dedicated to the advancement of computing. Includes field trips, speakers and discussions of selected topics. Course open to junior and seniors only. Prerequisites: 6 credits from CS.

CS-498 Honors Thesis in Computer Studies (3.00 cr.)Session(s): Fall; Spring | Course Offered Every Year
With a faculty mentor, the student will formulate and execute an original research project that will culminate in a paper and a presentation. The research project must meet Honors Program thesis requirements as well as the expectations of the computer science faculty. Enrollment limited to seniors or second semester juniors in the Honors and/or Teaching Fellows Programs.

CS-499 Computer Studies Research (1.00 cr.)Session(s): Fall; Spring | Course Offered Every Year
With a faculty mentor, the student will formulate and execute an original research project that will culminate in a paper and a presentation. Open to juniors and seniors majoring in Computer Studies or others with permission of the department. May be repeated for credit for a maximum of six hours.